Beijing , China -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- For thousands of years , China has seen itself as the Middle Kingdom , the center of the universe -- a view that shapes China 's understanding of the world and contributes to an indifferent attitude toward other countries .

The world may be watching the U.S. election , but China is n't concerned with who wins . And many here believe America has lost the credibility it once had on the world stage .

Unlike the 1960s or '70s , when America had a more convincing claim as the moral arbiter of the world , many Chinese officials now believe the United States is only concerned with its own economic gain .

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In China there is little understanding of American society , or its politics . People stand on the sidelines of the Republican vs. Democrat debate ; they do n't pick up on the nuances of the discussion , and they ca n't tell the difference between the parties ' positions .

The mainstream Chinese media are n't reporting on the U.S. elections , nor are mainstream websites , which is exactly how the Chinese government wants it . In fact , media coverage at all regarding the United States rarely strays from local or regional events and their relations to China , like the current dispute between Tokyo and Beijing over the Diaoyu Islands .

Chinese intellectuals , and indeed the public at large , believe that no matter who wins the race , America will have to be soft in its approach to our country because there is so much at stake .

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As for the candidates , people know Obama as a personality , but few could tell you what his government has accomplished in the last four years -- and Mitt Romney remains a complete unknown .

For all the tough talk about China during the presidential debates , Romney and Obama evaded any mention of China 's suspect human rights record , corruption , and rule of law .

By not tackling these controversial topics , the candidates are protecting a strategic partnership with China at the expense of essential human values and beliefs .

Personally , I think Obama seems more reliable than his opponent , even though I 'm disappointed with his stance on China 's human rights record . And although his administration has done very little to further rights here , I still wish him luck on Election Day .

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While the Chinese people desire democracy , they are skeptical of the U.S. system because its elections do n't seem to engender progress for Americans .

Democracy is a societal practice , and elections are only a part of it . The U.S. elections are certainly an exercise in democracy , but wealthy individuals and corporations can now pour significant amounts of money and advertising into manipulating the public .

The campaigns are mere showcases , extravagant yet empty -- and the time , money and energy spent on the grand spectacle could have been used to solve specific problems for Americans .

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Regardless , Americans should still be proud . It is essential for politicians and leaders to have open discussions about their policies , character , and beliefs . It is the key to public trust and understanding in an open society . I do n't think people like the way the debates and elections are designed , but at least they 're an outlet for people to make a stand .

In contrast , all major decisions in China are made behind closed doors . Here the public knows very little about who their politicians are , the decisions they have made and what they believe in . In a world that demands social change , this approach can not survive forever .

Recently I tweeted : `` Judging from recent events , China has not met the requirements that constitute a country . There is no consensus on recognized elders , no clear set of values , no independent state military , no full citizenship , no international respect , no transparency for leaders ' whereabouts , no clear borders , no equal access to defense attorneys , no proper administration of justice , no taxpayer rights ... As a country , China is missing all the qualities it needs to call itself a country . China is merely a faulty conjecture . ''

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The one-party system in China is inhuman . It stands against the weight of civilization . It rejects the foundations of modern living , humanity and individualism . The Beijing Olympics and the Shanghai World Expo show just how much effort China is willing to spend to enter the global stage . But while China desires to understand the world , it fails to accept its universal values .

China and the U.S. are two societies with very different attitudes towards opinion and criticism . In China , I am constantly under surveillance . Even my slightest , most innocuous move can -- and often is -- censored by Chinese authorities .

Recently I danced in a video spoof of the song `` Gangnam Style , '' and it was quickly banned across multiple Chinese online video platforms . But the story still traveled all over the world , carried in hundreds of international media reports .

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That sort of censorship would n't happen in the U.S. -- but even though America 's government allows its critics to speak out , it is difficult to create any real impact in a country where a vast number of voices are at risk of being drowned out by others .

In other words , regardless of your location , social background or political system , it is never easy to speak up against authorities -- it requires a lot of skill and persistence .

It is impossible to compare Chinese society with the U.S. , as each system has its own dangers . But as the world 's two great superpowers , the upcoming U.S. election and Chinese leadership reshuffle demonstrate two different extremes in handling shifts in political power .

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The people in both nations share a sense of hopelessness ; they feel empowered and disappointed at the same time but on different matters . No matter the country or system , it 's clear that the relationship between the masses and their leaders must be transformed .

It wo n't be easy , and there will be constant challenges ahead , but it can be done .

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ai Weiwei .

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Ai : Romney , Obama evaded mention of China 's suspect human rights issues in campaign

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While not perfect , Ai says America should be proud of its elections and democracy

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Ai : China 's one-party system is inhuman , stands against weight of civilization

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While China desires to understand the world , it fails to accept its universal values